Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

The God of Israel is the God of peace, shalom. He is not one who deliberately brings trouble. It is said that He does allow trouble to come to us for many reasons, such as testing, building character. Trouble also comes spiritually, turning into natural troubles because of our disobedience. People may blame God for the troubles brought on by their own sinful dealings but that results nowhere. On the other hand, those who repent, and those who also fully trust God, wherever the trouble comes from, then they will get God's gift of peace to them.

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one

John 17:22
And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one

Personality is a mark of our inner spiritual man. It is that which is exposed outside reflection the person deep inside. When we are at one with God, Jesus is an example of this, our personality would be a reflection of the personality of God. Such a person would think of themselves, not as individuals, but as one in unity with God. This transformation will happen when we surrender to the Holy Spirit and be guided by Him.

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 

Denying oneself is to deny our individuality. God created us with our individuality and we are all different yet special to Him. However our fallen nature has turned our individuality into a tool of rebellion. When we insist on doing things according to our ways, it is being individual and also it is rebelling against God. Instead, we are suppose to yield our individuality to God and choose His ways. Only then can we begin a spiritual life and walk with God.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman

Galatians 4:22
For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.

We need to sacrifice the natural to gain spiritual. It is not because God designed it this way so that the natural has to be sacrificed to gain the spiritual. The natural itself is created by God. However, when sin entered the world, it has taken hold of the natural. Without sacrificing the natural sinful nature, we will continue to have a divided life. The natural life will continue to resist the life led by the Holy Spirit. The result of this is internal turmoil. So unless we discipline and sacrifice our life of sin, it will ruin our entire personal life with God.

You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word

Genesis 41:40
You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”


Pharaoh had given the command that Joseph be ruler / administrator over all of Egypt. This follows Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream. The predictions had not occurred yet, but for reasons not stated, Pharaoh was totally convinced of Joseph's interpretation of the dream. The Egyptians are spiritual people in those times, and it could be that Pharaoh sensed the truth in Joseph's statements spiritually. From Joseph's point of view, his life of righteousness has finally been rewarded.

the simplicity that is in Christ

2 Corinthians 11:3
the simplicity that is in Christ

We cannot think and reason our way out of spiritual difficulty. Spiritual matters don't always make sense to us. Instead of thinking, the answer is in obeying God. When we obey Him and do according to His will, then matters will work themselves out. At the end we may or may not see the reason behind it. But to spend our efforts thinking on the why of spiritual matters may be wasting our efforts.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification

1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.

Sanctification is a concept that may be interpreted differently by some, depending on the level of maturity in Christ. In the general sense, it means keeping ourselves pure, but has been interpreted by some as spiritual holiness. The verse above is about one simple practical example of sanctification - and that involves avoiding sexual immorality and lusts. It refers to our bodies as vessel for sanctification and honor. In other words, as a start to the road of sanctification, we must at least conquer such lusts and immorality.

Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also

Matthew 5:39

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 

This is an incredibly thing for a person to do in the natural self. It is similar to the teaching about going the second mile. However, may teachings of Yshua do seem to contradict the natural thinking. The spiritual way of life is higher and is the truth and Yshua's teachings are ultimately a benefit for us, it is definitely the way that pleases God. A commentary once said that Yshua's teachings are about doing things which are not our duty, and also that we cannot imitate Yshua, His nature is either in us or it is not.

They should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead

Mark 9:9
He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

On the surface we often think that this only refers to the disciples, that Jesus did not want them to reveal His plans to others. However, this can also apply to ourselves. It can be advice to us that unless we are ready, perhaps we should refrain from telling others about such things as miraculous experience and so on. The telling of the Gospel should not be limited in this sense. In fact, it is often new converts who are usually most excited and want to tell the new faith in Jesus to others. However there are other deeper spiritual matters that God reveals to us, that we can only fully grasp with the maturity in walking with the Spirit, only then perhaps we should council others on those matters.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

Paul shares a few words of encouragement to the Galatians. Firstly he urges us to help others who have fallen, to get back on the path to Jesus. In order to do this and to help others with their burdens, we should not think too highly of ourselves.

Paul teaches on reaping and sowing in terms of doing it in the flesh versus in the spirit. Sowing in the flesh results in corruption while in the spirit produces everlasting life. This is perhaps related to the motivation for doing good, as he also calls us to do good for others.

Paul reminds us that it is not a matter of circumcision or any outward religious sign, but rather, the things that really matters include the cross of Christ and being made a new creation.




Galatians 6
Bear and Share the Burdens

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Glory Only in the Cross

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Blessing and a Plea

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed

Paul starts by declaring the proof of the Resurrection as it was witnessed by more than 500 people as well as the apostles and lastly, Paul himself. It seems that some believers are trying to teach that there is no resurrection. So Paul argues against this teaching that if there is no resurrection then Christ would not have risen and all their faith would be groundless.

When Christ rose from the dead, He showed that He had conquered death, hence He is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep". Then those who are in Christ will also come alive again. He will destroy all His enemies and everything will be under His rule again.

Paul addresses the question of what kind of body the resurrected person will have. It seems that the resurrected body is different, it is glorious, without weakness, without flaws, and essentially it is perfect. The first body we get is made of dust, scientifically, it is can be thought of as Carbon based. The resurrected body is spiritual. Jesus is the heavenly Man, with the heavenly body. Our resurrected body will be the spiritual heavenly body. It may be (just speculating) that the resurrected body has the same physical form but made of spiritual substance rather than natural substance.

Finally, the earthly bodily form cannot inherit the kingdom of God. When the Lord returns, those who have fallen asleep (died) will be given incorruptible bodies. Those who are alive at that time, will have their bodies transformed into spiritual bodies. Jesus had conquered death for all of us. Finally Paul urges believers to continue in the faith and in the good works because those will not be in vain.




1 Corinthians 15
The Risen Christ, Faith’s Reality

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The Risen Christ, Our Hope

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

The Last Enemy Destroyed

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.”[a] But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Effects of Denying the Resurrection

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”[b]

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

A Glorious Body

35 But someone will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh[c] of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”[d] The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord[e] from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear[f] the image of the heavenly Man.

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”[g]

55 “O Death, where is your sting?[h]
O Hades, where is your victory?”[i]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God

Paul addresses the division and strife within the Corinthian church. He describes it as carnal, and not spiritual and that the church is still immature concerning concerning their walk with Messiah. He specifically addresses the division based on the split between those who claim to follow Paul while others who choose Apollos. He explains that they are both ministers of God and neither is better than the other.

Paul explains that the work of ministers like himself and Apollos are building on the foundation of God's work. The real foundation itself is Jesus Christ, and others build on Him. Although saved by faith and not works, Paul also explains that our work is valued and rewarded by God. Those whose works are not valuable will be saved, but having no other reward. Paul also refers to each individual believer as the Temple of God, because the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer. Finally Paul warns the believers against worldly wisdom, which is foolishness in God's sight.



1 Corinthians 3
Sectarianism Is Carnal

1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

Watering, Working, Warning

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Avoid Worldly Wisdom

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; [a] 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”[b] 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.